Adding Words to the Android Dictionary

Android phones contain an extensive dictionary, but there will still be occasions when a word in a user’s lexicon won’t be recognized. These may be proper names (or improper names), trade terms, or words in languages other than the default language. There are several ways to add words to this dictionary; some more convenient than others. However, as it is with all things Android, the method for each device, model, and version may differ (at least slightly) from others.

In Android 4.0, one quick way is to type the word, and then tap the displayed word in the suggestions that appear above the keyboard, and tap it again to save it to the dictionary.

Another easy method is to type the word (or words) into a message, and tap an unrecognized word to bring up the menu displayed below. Although some Android versions will require a long press (press and hold) on the word to reveal this menu.

The dictionary will also suggest other possibilities (Arnold?).

Below, both words that were displayed above as misspelled words have been entered in the Personal dictionary, and will become suggestions in future messages.

For another (and somewhat more time consuming) method, in some versions, follow the path; Menu>Settings>Language and keyboard>User dictionary. In Android version 4.0, follow the steps below.

A quick route to Settings is to swipe down on the home screen and tap the Settings icon (displayed below with the date).

In Settings, tap Language & input.

In Language & input, tap Personal dictionary.

Tap the plus sign near the bottom of the screen, to add a word.

Type your word and tap OK.

Your word will then appear in the predictive typing suggestions above the top row of keys.

To edit a word, tap the word and, in Edit word, make the desired adjustments.

To delete a word, just tap the X to the right. However, this feature doesn’t offer deletion confirmation, and the selected word will immediately disappear from the list.

Note: One of the words I added created a new dictionary, to which that word was added; the English (United States) dictionary. As a result, the single personal dictionary became two separate personal dictionaries.

The reason for the creation of the new dictionary will appear in a future article (once I figure out how it happened).

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